Under South Carolina Workers' Compensation law, workers injured on the job are entitled to have their related medical costs paid and to receive temporary benefits while out of work. Once you have been released from your treating physician, if you have any permanent impairment as a result of your work injury, then you are entitled to be compensated for any resulting disability. If your claim was denied we can help. If you believe that you have been offered less money than you may be entitled to receive in a settlement from the insurance adjuster, then we can help you evaluate your claim. If you feel that you need additional medical treatment for your work injury but the insurance company refuses to authorize additional medical treatment, we can often help you get the necessary medical treatment approved.

If you are unable to return to work after seven days, you are entitled to weekly temporary benefits, which are figured at two thirds of your average weekly wage.

If your job injury results in any permanent impairment, you are entitled to permanent disability benefits once you have been released by your treating physician. This is sometimes referred to as having reached "maximum medical improvement." Sometimes, it may be helpful to get an Independent Medical Evaluation to help the Commission determine the degree of impairment. Impairment ratings can assist the hearing Commissioner in determining the extent of disability caused by the work injury. The American Medical Association has published what is commonly referred to as the AMA Guides, 5th Edition which is used by physicians as a guide to determining an impairment rating in a particular case.

If you suffer a brain injury or paraplegia you may be entitled to lifetime benefits.

The law firm of Quindlen & Merrifield, P.A., is a proven advocate for workers in Beaufort county of South Carolina.